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74-year-old pilot uninjured after plane flips in Palisades Reservoir

A 74-year-old pilot walked away with only minor injuries Thursday afternoon after his aircraft clipped the ground and flipped into the snowy lake bed of the Palisades Reservoir.

At approximately 2:30 PM, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a small, single-engine plane overturned in the reservoir lake bed, roughly a quarter-mile from the Alpine Airport.

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Idaho Bill seeks to nullify local LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination ordinances

A new legislative push in the Idaho Statehouse could strip 13 cities of their ability to enforce local anti-discrimination ordinances that protect residents based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

House Bill 557, introduced earlier this week, seeks to establish the “Uniformity in Local Antidiscrimination Ordinances Act.” Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug (R-Nampa) and written by the right-wing Idaho Family Policy Center, the bill would prohibit cities and counties from enacting civil rights protections that exceed those currently recognized under state law.

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Two Teton County men arrested in major multi-agency drug bust

A coordinated, multi-agency narcotics investigation culminated in the arrest of two Teton County men and the seizure of a large cache of drugs, weapons, and cash.

On January 27, around 11:30 AM, Teton County Sheriff’s deputies—supported by federal and state partners—simultaneously executed search warrants at two separate homes. The suspects, identified as Jacob Alan Mitchell and Blaine Creigh Baldwin, were taken into custody without incident.

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Idaho Falls farmer bags Ford F-150 Tremor in final days of Idaho Lottery’s popular scratch game

Idaho Falls resident Josh Hartfield is heading home with a lot more horsepower than he started with. The local farmer recently claimed the second top prize in the Idaho Lottery’s Bucks n’ Trucks Scratch game, walking away with a fully loaded Ford F-150 Tremor and $10,000 in cash.

“I do my research on the Scratch games, especially when games are close to selling out. If there’s a Scratch game that looks like it’s about to end, I’ll stop at places along the way and buy a few at a time,” said Hatfield.  “I was looking for tickets on the game $200,000 Cash Spectacular. But I also knew that Bucks n’ Trucks was close to ending as well. When I saw them, I got a handful.”

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Tooele couple recounts hearing loud explosion, escaping flames

A fire destroyed a Tooele couple’s home and took the life of one of their pets Friday night.

It happened about 6 p.m.

“We were actually just getting ready to eat a roast,” homeowner Brittany Johnson said. “Our fire alarms started to go off, which sometimes they randomly do that anyway, which is a little inconvenient, but, if we shower, hot water is running too long, they just kind of go off and do their own thing.”

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Eastern Idaho farmer Jamie Kress to lead National Association of Wheat Growers

“It is an honor to serve as president of NAWG at such a pivotal time for agriculture. I am inspired by the resilience and innovation of wheat growers across the country, and I am committed to leading with collaboration and purpose. Together, we will elevate our voice in Washington, advance policies that empower producers, and secure a strong, sustainable future for nation’s farmers and rural communities,” said NAWG President Jamie Kress.

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Fire in historic Bear Gulch Tunnel triggers trail closures

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest has issued an immediate emergency closure for a section of the Railroad Grade Trail following a fire inside the historic Bear Gulch railroad tunnel.

“A lack of structural stability within the Bear Gulch Railroad tunnel has prevented firefighters from accessing internal heat sources that continue to produce smoke that may be visible in the Bear Gulch Area,” stated the Forest Service in a release.

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Two Idaho prison guards sexually assaulted her, witnesses said. Neither was charged

**Editor’s Note: The following article discusses incidents of sexual assault. Reader discretion advised.**

It was November 2023, in a staff break room at South Idaho Correctional Institution, when prison guard Blas Covarrubias unbuttoned Michele’s pants and sexually assaulted her, she told an investigator. She was one of six inmates that the corporal — known as “Covi” to the women he was entrusted with protecting — was accused of abusing in 2023 and 2024.  

Eight months later, Michele was sexually assaulted again. This time by someone else: a correctional officer named Justin Tillema, a witness reported.

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North Idaho non-profit director sentenced for $154K Medicaid fraud

A North Idaho woman has been sentenced to three years of probation after orchestrating a scheme to defraud the state’s Medicaid program of more than $150,000.

On January 21, 2026, First District Judge Barry McHugh ordered Tracy Hofius, 49, of Coeur d’Alene, to serve three years of supervised probation and 45 days of community service through the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Community Labor Program. As a condition of her sentence, Hofius must also pay $154,119 in restitution back to the Idaho Medicaid program.

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Rexburg Police warn of rising ‘sextortion’ scams targeting local youth

The Rexburg Police Department is sounding the alarm over a sharp increase in “sextortion” cases, a digital blackmail scheme that investigators say is increasingly targeting high school and college-aged victims in the area.

Detective John Bone is a digital forensics investigator with the department and is concerned with the number of cases he has seen and the mental health impact it is making on community members.

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Classes Canceled: Rising illnesses and absences force multi-day closure for Ririe School District

All schools within Ririe School District #252 have canceled all classes through the end of the week as a wave of illness leaves many desks and workstations empty.

“Our hope is that this four-day break from school will allow the illness to run its course and will also give our custodial staff additional time to complete a deeper cleaning of our buildings,” Superintendent Jeff Gee stated.

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Blackfoot police search for vandal after sewer ‘sabotage’ on Hill View Dr.

The City of Blackfoot is calling on the public for help after an intentional act of vandalism that left local homeowners facing costly repairs and hazardous sewage backups over the weekend.

According to a post on the City of Blackfoot Facebook page, an unknown individual, or individuals, intentionally destroyed a sewer manhole lid and filled the opening with sand. The incident took place between Friday, Jan. 24, and Monday, Jan. 26, on Hill View Drive, just off E. Walker Street.

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Museum of Natural History to host event on cartographic encounters and a rediscovery of the far west fur trade

Experience an evening honoring Indigenous Resilience as Dr. S. Matthew DeSpain presents traditional Far West fur trade history at Frazier Hall on January 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Throughout the event, DeSpain will reconceive traditional Far West fur trade history and emphasize how the mountain men and rendezvous are still heavily rooted in American expansionism, discovery, and exceptionalism. Therefore, encounter and centrality of Native peoples become the better means in rediscovering and rebalancing the history of the Far West fur trade.

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Driggs Family Safety Network unveils ‘Kalico Cottage’ in honor of Kali Randall and her children

In memory of the late Kali Randall, Teton County’s Family Safety Network has officially named its new emergency shelter in Driggs, Idaho, ‘Kalico Cottage,’ the nonprofit announced Tuesday. The naming honors the Greenville, Wis. native—along with her son Zeke and unborn daughter Freya, whose lives were lost to domestic violence in 2023—and the mission of Kalico Forest, the nonprofit founded in her name to protect women and children.

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Sen. Ruchti to host three-part 2026 Legislative Town Hall series

Looking to bridge the gap between the Statehouse and the community, State Senator James Ruchti (D-Pocatello) has announced three town halls for District 29 residents and surrounding community members during the 2026 legislative session. Ruchti says these forums are designed as a nonpartisan space for Idahoans to discuss the future of Medicaid, ask questions about policy priorities, and share concerns directly with leadership.

“Our democracy works best when the people are heard,” said State Senator Ruchti. “These events give folks the chance to speak directly with their elected representative, and for me to better understand how the decisions we’re making in Boise are affecting everyday Idahoans.”

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Legislative budget-writers tell agencies to prepare for additional cuts

State agency budget cuts could deepen to 5% for the current fiscal year and next fiscal year.

Leaders of the Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) told agency directors Monday to make plans for additional across-the-board spending cuts at 1% and 2%, according to a memo obtained by Idaho Education News. 

These would be in addition to the 3% cuts that Gov. Brad Little made through an executive order last year.

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Idaho Democrats blast new round of budget cuts amid GOP Tax Plan

Idaho Democratic leaders are condemning a directive from Republican budget chairs that orders state agencies to prepare for additional mid-year budget cuts of 1% to 2%. The move aims to offset the estimated $155 million cost of adopting tax changes from the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” championed by the Trump administration.

The proposed reductions would come on top of a 3% holdback already imposed by Governor Brad Little last August to address a $40.3 million shortfall. Combined, state agencies could face total spending cuts of up to 5%, which Democratic leaders argue will “take a chainsaw” to essential services.

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Teen son of slain Saratoga Springs woman had gunshot residue on his clothing, police say

Clothing worn by the 15-year-old son of a Saratoga Springs mother who was shot and killed in her home had gun residue on it.

That’s according to a series of search warrants recently unsealed in 4th District Court that provide more insight into the evidence collected by Saratoga Springs police in their ongoing investigation into the shooting deaths of Jessica Orton Lyman, 44, and her 8-year-old son, Eli Painter. No arrests have been made in the killings and no suspects have been named.

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Attorney General: Seven sentenced for child exploitation; Three from Bonneville County face decades in prison

In the last two months, seven individuals, including three from Bonneville County, were sentenced to prison after being convicted of crimes against children, Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced Tuesday.

“I’m proud of our ICAC prosecutors and investigators, as well as our local law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to bring these individuals to justice and deliver sentences that protect Idaho families from this evil,” said Attorney General Labrador in a news release. “Their hard work and dedication is resulting in the arrest and sentencing of dangerous criminals from our communities and ensuring children across our state are safer.”

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Know your rights: What to do if ICE comes to your home

As immigration enforcement continues to raise questions and concerns for families across Idaho, the ACLU of Idaho is reminding immigrants of their rights if ICE or other law enforcement officers come to their home.

“Immigrants have most of the same rights that US citizens do. So they have freedom of speech. They have the freedom to be free of unlawful search and seizures. They have constitutional rights because they are living inside the United States,” Immigration Attorney Tim Jones said.

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Two injured in separate snowmobile accidents on Granite Creek Road Friday

Teton County Search and Rescue volunteers responded to two simultaneous snowmobile accidents that left two riders with serious injuries on Granite Creek Road this past Friday.

According to a post on TCSAR’s Facebook page, the first call came in just before 4 PM, indicating a 39-year-old man had crashed and rolled about 30 feet down an embankment. The man had seriously injured his leg in the crash. Due to the severity of the man’s injury, TCSAR mobilized both a helicopter and a ground team to the trailhead.

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Chubbuck woman faces felony charges for allegedly stealing SUV with infant inside

A 37-year-old Idaho woman faces serious felony charges after allegedly stealing an SUV with a sleeping infant inside on Sunday night.

Rikki Johnson was arrested on January 25 by Chubbuck Police and charged with felony grand theft. She also faces charges related to an outstanding misdemeanor drug warrant. Chubbuck PD says additional charges are currently under review by the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office.

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CEI nursing students sweep top leadership spots in Idaho Student Nurses Association

“Being elected to this role is a significant milestone in my journey as a nurse and a Latina mother,” said Silva. “It motivates me to continue breaking barriers, serve my community, and inspire others who face similar challenges to pursue their dreams.” Silva says she’s especially excited to deepen her knowledge of leadership, policy, and advocacy in nursing.

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Idaho State Police Sergeant to be honored at 2nd annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon

An Idaho State Police Officer is being honored for a career that defines “going above and beyond.”

On Thursday, February 5, ISP Sergeant Amanda Ward will be recognized with the MVP Award during the 2nd Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon. Hosted by the Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation, the event celebrates the efforts of local law enforcement from the Idaho Falls Police Department, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, and the ISP.

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Celebrating 65 Years of Broadcasting: Governor Brad Little proclaims Jan. 23 as “KIFI Local News 8 Day”

Today marks a historic milestone for the region’s airwaves. January 23, 2026, officially marks the 65th anniversary of KIFI Local News 8, celebrating over six decades of dedicated service to southeast Idaho and western Wyoming.

In honor of this achievement, Idaho Governor Brad Little has officially proclaimed January 23, 2026, as “KIFI Local News 8 Day.” The declaration honors the station’s unwavering commitment to excellence in broadcast journalism, providing essential coverage in news, weather, and sports.

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CEI new tech building update

If you have driven past College of Eastern Idaho lately, it would be hard to miss the construction of the brand new Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech building that is nearing completion. 

“We are very excited that both Frontier Credit Union and Battelle Energy Alliance came together to name this building, and it’s going to house some of our most high-tech programs here on campus,” says CEI President Lori Barber.

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Idaho Supreme Court weighs constitutionality of Private School Tax Credits

The Idaho Supreme Court heard oral arguments today to determine whether Parental Choice Tax Credits, a program that provides public funds to families for non-public education expenses, are constitutional.

Lawyers representing the Idaho Education Association (IEA) and the Moscow School District argue that it drains resources from Idaho’s public school system. On the other side, supporters say the bill simply returns tax dollars to families choosing to use options outside of the system.

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Gov. Little signs proclamation recognizing Community Risk Reduction Week across Idaho

“Community Risk Reduction is the process fire departments use to identify risk before tragedy occurs and to take intentional action to reduce it,” Meridian Fire Department community risk reduction manager Carly Shears said. “As Idaho continues to grow, Community Risk Reduction provides the strategic framework and mindset shift from reactive to proactive.”

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State and local leaders reflect on the life and service of former Rep. Linden Bateman

The Idaho political community is mourning the loss of a former state representative and historian. Linden Bart Bateman, of Idaho Falls, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the Lincoln Court Retirement Community. He was 85 years old.

“Linden Bateman was a close friend of mine and a true statesman. Linden was passionate about Idaho history and played a key role in establishing March 4 as Idaho Day. He listened thoughtfully, led with principle, and always sought to do what is right. Idaho is better because of his work, and his legacy of character and public service will not be forgotten.”  — Governor Brad Little.

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How CEI is using AI and tech to fight the anticipated ‘Recession Baby’ enrollment cliff

It’s been 18 years since the 2008 recession, and 2026 will be the first year “recession babies” reach college age. However, there will be fewer students nationwide due to a significant drop in birth rates.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, colleges and universities collectively experienced a 15% decline in enrollment between 2010 and 2021 due to various contributing factors. In 2025, Inside Higher Ed reported that 16 nonprofit institutions announced closures, with similar numbers reported in 2024.

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West Idaho bus driver arrested on child exploitation charges

On Wednesday, January 21, Jeremy Wakeley, 42, was taken into custody on several counts of possession of child pornography and one count of child sexual exploitation, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced today.

 “We’ve found no evidence of any local victims at this time, but parents deserve to know that my team is working overtime to protect Idaho’s children,” said Attorney General Labrador in a news release. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their help with this arrest.”

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Idaho Democrats mark Roe v. Wade anniversary with call for end to near-total abortion ban

On the anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, Idaho Democratic legislators marked the date with a call to restore abortion access, reaffirmed their commitment to a 2026 ballot initiative aimed at ending the state’s near-total abortion ban.

In a joint statement released Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow and House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel argued that Idaho’s current laws have created a healthcare crisis, forcing patients to leave the state for care and causing a healthcare shortage in the Gem State.

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Staff illnesses force temporary closure of Hazel Stuart Elementary

As a result of a significant number of staff absences due to illnesses and other unavoidable circumstances, Hazel Stuart Elementary has been closed today, Thursday, January 22. Superintendent Doug McLaren announced the decision Wednesday night, saying the overwhelming number of staff absences has left the school unable to open.

“Despite exhaustive efforts to secure coverage and adjust staffing, we are unable to ensure appropriate instruction, student supervision, and support services,” stated the announcement.

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Utah’s first-of-its-kind water reclamation facility transforms toilet water into water plants crave

A groundbreaking $51 million water reclamation facility is about to transform how southern Utah handles wastewater. The Confluence Park Water Reclamation Facility represents 20 years of planning and construction, and it’s the first of its kind in Utah.

“As a child, I always wanted to be a marine biologist. But I also wanted to live here. So those two things don’t work together very well,” said Bradley Johnson, who grew up in Hurricane and La Verkin and now works at the facility.

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250 Trucks, One Mission: LDS Church donates 31,000 pounds of food to Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership

In an effort to combat local food insecurity, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has delivered 31,000 pounds of food to the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership in Rexburg on Wednesday.

The donation is part of a nationwide collaboration with America 250, a celebration of the United States’ 250 years of independence. As part of the celebration, the Church has pledged to send 250 trucks of food to pantries across the country. Rexburg was chosen as one of the cities chosen for this donation.

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State lawmakers set public forum on invasive “Eagle Rat” surge spike in Southern Idaho

In response to a spike in sightings of invasive Norway rats across Southern Idaho, state lawmakers are hosting a public forum to address the rise in pests.

“While these rats are currently concentrated in the Treasure Valley, experts warn they will continue to spread across Idaho if not addressed,” Senator Carrie Semmelroth warned in a press release.

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Husband and wife dead in apparent murder-suicide near Idaho-Wyoming border

Multiple people are dead following a domestic disturbance at a remote property along the Idaho-Wyoming border that drew a large-scale police response on Wednesday morning.

“Once we got to the scene, we found that it was relatively contained to an area just off the road around a couple of vehicles,” said BCSO Sgt. Bryan Lovell. “We did discover deceased persons. And so right now we’re, we’re working on gathering evidence and investigating that scene.”

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Six displaced after overnight apartment fire in Pocatello

The fire was first called in just after 11 PM from an apartment at 335 North Hayes Avenue. Only 4 of the 6 apartments were occupied at the time, and all 6 residents evacuated safely, according to Kim Stouse, public information officer for the Pocatello Fire Department.

“We reached out to the American Red Cross, and they’re working to connect them to resources, as well as the landlord who put them up in the day’s inn last night,” said Stouse. “The tenants are now working with the Red Cross and the landlord to get long-term placement.”

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Where are they now? Netflix revisits Elizabeth Smart and key figures in her kidnapping case

“I’m not just that girl that was kidnapped. That happened to me, but I’m so much more,” Elizabeth Smart told CNN’s Anderson Cooper in 2013.

A new Netflix documentary premiering January 21 has renewed interest in one of the most closely followed kidnapping cases in American history. Smart was 14 when she was kidnapped from her Salt Lake City home in 2002 and rescued nine months later.

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Idaho gas prices drop below national average for first time in months

Idaho drivers are enjoying a rare break at the pump this January, with gas prices sitting below the national average and about 25 cents cheaper than this time last year.

Nationally, the average price of gasoline is about 30 cents lower than a year ago. In Idaho, prices are roughly 25 cents cheaper. While Idaho typically ranks in the top 10 for the most expensive fuel in the nation, it is currently ranked 23rd.

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Pocatello seeks public input on city entryway and roadway redesign

“This feedback will help guide future beautification efforts for our city’s roadways and entryways,” said Jim Anglesey, Pocatello’s Long-Range Senior Planner. “The goal is to enhance the City’s appearance while selecting landscaping better suited to our semi-arid environment. These designs will be used as funding becomes available to support landscape and irrigation improvements at various locations across the city.”

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Boise hospital ambush suspect reaches plea deal to avoid death penalty

Nicholas Umphenour, the man accused of engaging in a deadly hospital ambush to free a white supremacist inmate, has reached a plea deal with prosecutors to avoid the death penalty.

Court documents filed on January 13, 2026, reveal that Umphenour, 30, will enter an Alford plea for the killings of 83-year-old James Mauney and 72-year-old Gerald “Don” Henderson.

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How much tech is too much? Idaho hunters debate proposed legislation

Idaho Fish and Game is proposing new regulations to the Idaho legislature this session that would restrict hunters’ use of advanced technology during big game season, after concerns about advancements in hunting equipment.

The regulations stem from recommendations provided by a group of 23 hunters, bear baiters, trappers, long-range shooters and wolf hunters, who advised Fish and Game on fair hunting practices in Idaho. After a public comment period, the agency is now presenting the proposal to state lawmakers.

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Severe solar storm to put Northern Lights over Idaho tonight, forecasters say

Under the current forecast, the northern lights may be visible across much of the northern half of the United States, and even as far south as northern California. The only question is – will residents in southeastern Idaho be able to see the lights, considering the overcast skies in Monday night’s forecast?

If you manage to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights through a break in the weather, we want to see it! Send your photos to Local News 8 for a chance to be featured on our social media pages and during our evening broadcast.

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Convicted murderer accused of brutal attack on Idaho prison guard

An Idaho Department of Corrections staff member has been hospitalized following a brutal assault by a convicted murderer at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution over the weekend.

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the 56-year-old staff member, whose name has not been released, was attacked Saturday morning by inmate Robert David Pompa. Following the assault, the corporal was transported to Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise for treatment. IDOC officials have confirmed that the staff member is in stable condition.

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Idaho-Falls native filmmaker screening his award-winning documentary around Eastern Idaho

Eastern Idaho (KIFI) – Get ready for an adventure next week as award-winning Idaho filmmaker Dusty Hulet brings his riveting documentary “Bears of Durango” to screens across eastern Idaho. Audiences will have a rare opportunity to experience the wild drama of human-bear encounters and the quest for conservation, all through Hulet’s captivating lens. Dusty Hulet

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